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Whilst we can’t say that all the Windsor pubs and bars are by ‘Royal Appointment’ or fit for a king, Windsor is a picturesque Thameside town in Berkshire that boasts many fine drinking establishments and pleasing pubs enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Windsor and Eton pubs range from historic inns and riverside bars to a well appointed pub that has a drinking patio right outside Windsor Palace entrance – also, new Windsor breweries are opening all the time with the establishment of the ‘West Windsor Beer Mile’
Here is our guide to the best pubs in Windsor and Eton (and Windsor breweries) – cheers!
Table of Contents
Windsor Pubs
1. The Horse and Groom
At the top of our Windsor pub list is The Horse and Groom, primarily due to its prime position right outside the castle.
Time it right and you might be even able to time a mid-morning pint with the Windsor Changing of the Guard Ceremony (11am on certain days of the week including Saturday and Sunday).
Midway up Castle Hill, parts of the building date back to the 16th century. It became the Horse and Groom in the 1790s and has been one of Windsor’s most revered pubs ever since – definitely one to visit if only for an alfresco ale to enjoy the view of Windsor Castle.
Address: 4 Castle Hill, Windsor SL4 1PD
2. The Two Brewers
With its fantastic floral exterior and collection of beautiful hanging baskets (reminiscent of the Churchill Arms in Kensington), The Two Brewers is located very close to the Long Mile so is a perfect place for a post-stroll pint and definitely one of our favourite Windsor pubs.
Cosy inside (there are only a handful of interior tables) with several picnic tables and benches outside, this is a picture postcard pub dating back to the 18th century located in Park Street, one of the most desirable (and affluent) places in Windsor (also on the Windsor Castle perimeter) so you never know who you might be sharing your table with.
Address: 34 Park Street, Windsor SL4 1LB
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3. Queen Charlotte
Specialising in cask ales cask and located in one of Windsor’s most pretty cobbled streets, Church Lane, the Queen Charlotte Windsor pub is a traditional British boozer with plenty of hearty fare to enjoy, including vegan and veggie options.
Unlike some of the smaller pubs in Windsor, you can book a table in advance at the Queen Charlotte so if you want to avoid traipsing around all the town’s taverns looking for a table, this is a good place to consider.
Address: 6 Church Lane, Windsor SL4 1PA
4. Prince Harry (Three Tuns)
Whilst the pub’s name could be considered either ‘charming’ or a cash-grab (hmmm), this Market Square Prince Harry pub is only a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle and located in the one of the most historic buildings in Windsor (formerly the Guildhall dating back to the 16th century).
With a Windsor pub on this site for over 500 years and counting, this is in the heart of historic Windsor, this is in the heart of Windsor at its historic best. British fare is served day in and day out and if you are in Windsor on a Sunday, go for the Sunday Roast at the Prince Harry – you won’t be disappointed.
Address: 8 Market Street, Windsor SL4 1PB
5. The King and Castle Windsor Wetherspoons
People from overseas may not have heard of the Wetherspoon chain, but it is known as one of the least expensive bar brands in the United Kingdom.
The Windsor Wetherspoons pub’s two floors look out over Windsor Castle (with the outdoor beer terrace at the rear overlooking the nearby park). As such, the King and Castle name is spot on!
ts of ale at the Wetherspoons Windsor pub start from as little as £1.99 so it is definitely the cheapest pub in Windsor and like all Wetherspoon pubs, it has long trading hours (open from first thing to late night) so this might also be a good opportunity to try a traditional England breakfast (fry-up) or other traditional English dishes.
Address: 16-17 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PL
6. Carpenter’s Arms
A real ale pub from Nicholson’s brewery with a prime position in Market Street, the Carpenter’s Arms Windsor pub derives its name from the tradespeople who once drank here and the interior and illustrations inside are a celebration of this.
Within walking (well, spitting distance actually) of Windsor Castle, the Carpenter’s Arms also has a small seating area outside amongst various tea rooms and souvenir shops.
Combine this with a castle view and this is one of the best spots in Windsor to people watch and soak in the sights and sounds of the town.
Address: 4 Market Street, Windsor SL4 1PB
7. The Boatman
Windsor’s only riverside pub located right on the banks of the river Thames, The Boatman is all about the epic beer garden with sweeping views of the water; enjoy a pint, some traditional British food and watch as swans serenely sail by, as well as luxury yachts and the various tourist cruise ships.
The beer garden at the Boatman is huge and there is also an awning / marquee covering certain areas so it is suitable for all weather.
Address: 10 Thames Side, Windsor SL4 1QN
8. Windsor & Eton Brewery taproom / Unit 4
Whilst not as historic as other Windsor pubs or bars, there is nothing better than drinking a craft beer or ale at the source and the Windsor & Eton Brewery taproom is no exception.
Boasting over 20 beers on tap at any one time, Windsor and Eton Brewery’s speciality is regal sounding (and very quaffable) draughts like Guardsman Best Bitter, Knight of the Garter Golden Ale and Windsor Knot Pale Ale.
If you don’t have time to visit, you can always pick up bottles to take home or enjoy back at the hotel. The Windsor and Eton Brewery taproom has its own kitchen preparing pizzas and burgers and often hosts live music events.
Address: 1-4 Vansittart Estate, Duke Street, Windsor SL4 1SE
9. The Royal Windsor
A licensed premises since 1727 with a regal name, why not make a ‘Royal appointment’ and bagsy a spot in their beer garden, which offers views of Windsor Castle up on the hill.
The Royal Windsor is also just across the road from the Windsor and Eton Riverside train station so it is prime spot to sup some ale whilst waiting for a train or enjoy British pub grub.
Address: Datchet Road, Windsor SL4 1QD
Eton Pubs
10. Eton Mess Bar and Hotel
Located in Eton just across the river and a short walk from Windsor Castle, Eton Mess has to be the best named Eton pub in town, named after the classic British dessert (we do love a pudding pun – sweet as!).
Half way down Eton High Street and a more modern affair than most of the Windsor and Eton pubs and bars mentioned in this list, and is boutique hotel.
As it is so centrally located and just a two minute walk from the river, if you are short on time, it wouldn’t be a total ‘mess’ to base yourself her.
Address: 55 High Street, Eton, Windsor SL4 6BL
11. The Watermans Arms, Eton
A little more off the beaten path than most of the other bars and pubs in Eton (it can be found tucked away on Brocas Street, just off Eton High Street), The Watermans Arms is a traditional inn housed in a former 16th century workhouse and factory.
Popular with cyclists due to its ample parking room for bikes and close proximity to the riverside / Thames path, The Watermans Arms is part of the Windsor Ale Trail and usually has up to 8 different casks, kegs and draft on tap.
Address: Brocas Street, Eton, Windsor SL4 6BW
12. The George, Eton
As the sign outside the George says, ‘Welcome to Eton’ – with a greeting like that, you know The George is all about hop-itality.
Located on Eton High Street, this is the flagship Windsor pub from the Windsor and Eton Brewery mentioned before, with a nice beer garden and Hop House outback.
Very much connoisseurs of cask and kings of the keg, there are usually 10 to 12 lines behind the bar including their signature and appropriately titled Eton Boatman golden ale.
Address: 77 High Street, Eton, Windsor SL4 6AF
13. Crown and Cushion Inn, Eton
A homely hotel and coaching house with a downstairs bar, this 17th century building has 8 rooms ideally located right on Eton High Street and a short walk to the river and nearby Windsor attractions.
A snug pub with an outdoor eating area out back, this is a great place to do some Eton…sorry, eating and drinking.
Address: 84 High Street, Eton, Windsor SL4 6AF
14. Henry VI pub, Eton
A hoppy hangout handily located on Eton High Street, the Henry VI is a Stonegate pub, part of a huge English chain so whilst a little more standardised and less characterful than other historic Eton pubs, it is the cheapest place in Eton for food and drink offers.
Every day, there is a cocktail happy hour (2 for 1 so a very Happy Hour) plus menu specials like a pint and pizza.
Address: 37 High Street, Eton, Windsor SL4 6BD
15. A Hoppy Place Windsor
Not strictly speaking a pub (more of a ‘micropub’), but we had to include this amazing craft beer shop on our list of best Windsor pubs.
The huge range of bottles/cans in the fridge (over 200 different cans) are absolutely incredible, plus you can also drink onsite from over 10 kegs. A Hoppy Place Windsor is one of a small chain of Hoppy Places (well, two so far) but Windsor was the very first – Maidenhead is the other.
Winner of several CAMRA awards, hop on down to Windsor and enjoy a Hoppy Place (best accompanied with their home-made pizza).
Address: 11 St. Leonards Rd, Windsor SL4 3BN
16. Flint’s Brewery (new for 2023)
A new independent brewery which opened in Windsor at the end of 2022, Flint’s Brewery is located along the Windsor Arches and promises to be one of Windsor’s best pubs and brewery taprooms.
Flint’s is a fun and family friendly Windsor pub that has 12 craft beers and ales on tap, plus soft drinks – you can sit on the ground floor next to bar to enjoy your beer or up on the mezzanine level with a prime view of the brewing tanks – we like ‘vat’ a lot.
Address: Flint’s Brewery Pub, 25-26 The Arches, Windsor SL4 1QZ
17. The Indie Rabble Brewing Co (opening summer 2023)
The Indie Rabble Brewing company is a brand new brewery which will launch in The Arches, Windsor, just down the road from Flint’s Brewery.
To be opened in Windsor by the owners of A Hoppy Place, Maidenhead’s best brew pub will be the third brewery to open in the area, becoming part of the ‘West Windsor Beer Mile’.
The Indie Rabble Brew pub promises a dedicated live music stage plus several of their own craft beer brews and future collaborations with other breweries.
Like beer miles? Try
> Leytonstone Beer Mile
> Blackhorse Road Beer Mile
> Bermondsey Beer Mile
> Brixton Beer Mile
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